According to Petros Semrjyan, the number of drug addicts annually grows by 50% in Armenia, most of people starting using drugs in their teenage.

“Though the patients undergo full treatment at the rehabilitation centers, there is no guarantee they won’t become addicts again,” Mr. Semrjyan said.

Sociometer center head Aharon Adibekyan, in turn, noted that the number of opium addicts totals 3.5 million and 300 thous. in neighboring Iran and Georgia respectively, with 20 thous. drug addicts recorded in Azerbaijan.

“Toxicomania is becoming a major problem in Armenia due to a lower price,” he said.

Dwelling on Baku’s provocative statements, Mr. Adibekyan said, “As a transit country for drugs, Azerbaijan aims to show that Nagorno Karabakh soil is used for hemp and poppy cultivation.”